There will be a total of 42 new models, with updates to series of both desktop and notebook.

Sony Marketing announced o­n the 7th their plans for new "Vaio" personal computer models to be subsequently released beginning o­n the 17th of this month. The new models cover 9 series (4 desktop, 5 of notebook), and a total of 42 new models (including 16 Sony Style model). The price for all units is "Open Price."

The lineup is: 8 models of the "Vaio RZ," 4 models of the "Vaio HX," 2 models of the "Vaio W," 5 models of the "Vaio V," 11 models of "Vaio Note GR," 3 models of "Vaio Note FR," 2 models of "Vaio Note Z," 3 models of "Vaio Note 505," and finally 4 models of "Vaio Note TR."

The lineup this time around adds the new "Vaio HX" in the mix. The "Vaio HX" is a new desktop type series of Vaio, which includes the full functions of a PC, in addition to a high A/V enjoyment factor, all in a compact body. The AV capabilites have been strengthened, by functions such as the "TV position" which automatically starts the TV when the cover is closed o­n the keyboard, and an LCD display featuring high quality internal speakers. The upper level models also all now use an HT Technology Pentium 4 processor; so PC functions have also been improved upon.

Other enhancements include those to the "Vaio RZ" series, which includes the "PCV-RZ75P" and "RZ65." An 8x DVD±RW drive is now included, and o­n the upper level "PCV-RZ75P" and "RZ76CP" models, Adobe's "Adobe Premiere Pro" now comes preinstalled.

For the two Sony Style series, "PCV-RZ75CP" and "RZ65C," users can now start from a CPU and Hard Drive, and independently choose an optical drive, video card, hardware MPEG2 decoder, etc. via the new "Full CTO" option.

A 4x DVD±RW drive has been added to the "Vaio W" series, which has a 17.5 inch Widescreen LCD display with keyboard attached. A new model has been added to Sony Style for the 15" clear black display sporting "Vaio V" series.

On the flaghsip notebook type model "Vaio Note GR," a hardware MPEG2 encoder has been added, allowing users to record television programs and write them to DVDs. Upper level models feature an HT supporting Pentium 4 processor, and all models include 4x DVD±RW drives, and other expanded capabilities.

The A4 size "Vaio Note FR" series, with an internal floppy disk drive, had its upper level models also see the addition of a 4x DVD±RW drive, and other standard function improvements. The high end "Vaio Note Z" series' high end models also now include DVD-RW drives. Also, models with Office 2003 pre-installed have been added to the lineup.

The "Vaio Note 505," with a 12 inch LCD screen, uses a faster CPU, and other improvements are planned. Also o­n the new compact body "Vaio Note TR" series, users are offered CTO options via Sony Style.

Original Article:
http://www.computernews.com/DailyNews/2004/01/2004010719458FAC90F22020.htm